Four days until For Love of Duty is up for sale! I can't believe how fast the days have gone. From writing this story, through the editing, all the way til now... it's been like the blink of an eye. Part of that is because I am surrounded by such wonderful friends who keep me busy.

I first met [heard of] Jennifer Shirk on the Romance Divas forum. She was a quiet thing compared to some of the members over there. After joining Passionate Critters, I soon found out it wasn't that she was so quiet but that they were so loud. haha. :D Thanks for being here today, Jennifer, to help me celebrate my book release on Friday. Now, around here we eat cake and ice cream for just about any celebration. The virtual bakery is open with anything you want. What'll you have?

JS: I love chocolate cake—actually THIS recipe is my personal fav: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/best-ever-chocolate-fudge-layer-91361.aspx

(only I skip the almonds.)

My fav ice cream is Moose tracks!!

Hey! Thanks for the recommendation. We love moose tracks around here, too. Have you ever had Mint Moose Tracks?

Tell me [and my readers] a little about your latest book?

JS: Sunny Days for Sam is my newest sweet romance.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Sunnyva “Sunny” Fletcher is a firm believer in fairy tales. With the recent debt she’s acquired, the hope of something magical happening in her life is the only thing keeping her going. She needs a job fast. So when Sunny learns the sexy new vacationer in town is looking for a nanny, she starts to believe she just may have a fairy godmother after all!

Internet guru Sam Calloway is only in town for the summer and needs a nanny for his two small children. However, the beautiful and inexperienced Sunny is not exactly the kind of caregiver Sam has in mind. It doesn’t take long for Sunny’s tenderhearted and bubble-blowing ways to soon have the children—and Sam—enamored with her. She’s a dream come true. But after what Sam’s been through, he’s stopped believing in fairy tales long ago.

Sunny manages to work her way into Sam’s closed-off heart, but at the end of the summer, will the workaholic dad go back to his life in New York City, or will he decide his days are much sunnier here with Sunny?

I never did read the end of that...did I? I must have! But, I think I'm going to have to get a copy as soon as this interview is over. I love your characters, Jennifer. They are real people.

Give me some party advice for a new author. When you made that first sale--so long ago, how did you celebrate?

JS: I squealed to my critique partners first. LOL Then the hubby took me out to a nice dinner. Then when my book came out in print, he and my neighbors threw me a book release party! Now, THAT was awesome!

If there was one book [story] you could live, which one would it be?

Probably my first book: The Role of a Lifetime. It’d be kind of fun to have a handsome movie star in love with me. Just saying. J

Are you a plotter or a panster?

JS: PLOTTER. But even though I plot, nothing is written in stone and things still manage to change as I’m writing.

Oh! I know just what you mean. I feel like I have to plot, but the story sorta flows, changing things as it goes.

If you could go anywhere this month, where would it be? Tell me why!

Anywhere? I really would love to go to Italy. I’ve never been to Europe and since my hubby is half Italian…

I knew there was a reason I liked your hubby! Half Italians are wonderful. :D

What’s your favorite thing about being a writer?

JS: I can make my own hours, wear whatever I want and don’t have to shower. LOL But I also love creating my characters—coming up with their names and quirks That’s the most fun.

It really shows, Jennifer. You have a way with characterization [that everyone should experience by reading your books]. :D

Can you give me and my readers a hint about what you’re working on for your next book?

Yes! I’m working on a book where I have my hero is a romance author—although don’t call him that. He prefers to be a called a “fictional author who puts romantic elements in his story”. J He really cracks me up. I’m already in love with him.

I can't wait to start reading.

Thanks for coming by today, Jennifer. It's a great way to spend a monday. :)

~*~*~

You can find Jennifer on her webpage http://www.jennifershirk.com, twitter, facebook, and goodreads.

Jennifer is giving away a copy of her book, Sunny Days for Sam.

Comment to win!!